Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. has been one of the more highly regarded defensive players in the NBA since being selected No. 4 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Now, that distinction has been cemented as he won the Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2022-23 season.
Jackson became the second-youngest player to ever win the award, behind only Dwight Howard, who was a few months younger when he took it home for the 2008-09 season. Two other players, Kawhi Leonard and Alvin Robertson, also won the award at 23 years old.
For the second consecutive year, Jackson led the NBA in blocks per game with 3.0. He also anchored the third-best defensive in the league this season, as the Grizzlies allowed 110.7 points per 100 possessions.
With Jackson on the court, those numbers improved to 106.6 points per 100 possessions and opponents shot 44 percent in the paint when he was the closest defender. Long and athletic, Jackson was capable of switching on the perimeter as well, possessing a truly dominant defensive presence.
His responsibility on the defensive end of the court grew throughout the season with Steven Adams being sidelined. Adams played in only 42 regular season games and there is a chance he doesn’t get on the court during the postseason. He last played on January 22nd and is sidelined because of a knee injury.
NBA NEWS & AWARDS: Jaren Jackson Jr & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Jackson’s personal performance and overall team performance also put him in an exclusive group. Only Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Ben Wallace averaged 3+ blocks and 1+ steals per game for a top-five defense.
Finishing second for the award this season was Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks. He finished with 31 first-place votes, garnering 309 total points compared to the 391 that Jackson had. It ended up being a two-man race, as third place Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers had eight first-place votes and finished with only 101 points.
NBA NEWS & AWARDS: Jaren Jackson Jr & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Draymond Green, Bam Adebayo and Joel Embiid were the other players to receive first-place votes this year. Starting next season, Jackson would have actually been ineligible for the award as he played in only 63 games. Beginning in the 2023-24 season, if a player does not play in at least 65 games, they will not be eligible to win any accolades.
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